Helping Adolescents Choose Safer Behaviors

Abstract

Although adolescents comprise only 1% of the diagnosed cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among this group should not be underestimated. This article discusses how adolescents' behaviors place them at risk for HIV infection. One educational program is described that illustrates an innovative approach to use with adolescents. Nurses who use the Relationship Safety and Vigilance Plan can assist individual adolescents to assess their interpersonal relationship patterns to establish goals and reduce impulsive or destructive behaviors. Summary HIV infection poses a real and personal threat to adolescents. Although the potential for high risk behaviors emerges from developmental tasks, adolescents can manage their growth and maturation safely. Nurses can provide pivotal assistance to reduce adolescent vulnerability to HIV infection. One intervention that can help individual adolescents to assess and plan for safe and satisfying interpersonal relationships is the Relationship Safety and Vigilance Plan. If not provided with preventive interventions, many adolescents will be vulnerable to HIV infection that may not be detected until years later, when they have become young adults.